Views of the Neighborhood – Sand Belt Races

Yes, the headline is correct. Here in Port Aransas, we have sand belt races every second and fourth Saturday. Yesterday was the second Saturday, so I had to go and check it out.  Here is where the races are held.

Sand belt Races

Obviously, this is a pirate bar. Here is a shot of the inside.

San Belt races

A fun place. The races are out back. The Gaff has been conducting these races since 2005. The next photo is a shot of the judge’s stand.

Sand Belt races

Here is the pit area where the sanders are being prepared.

Belt Sander Racers

Here is a cute entry.

Belt Sander races

Here is a shot of the raceway. (two lane) That guy with the beard, new tattoo and cigarette. is the finish judge.

Belt Sander Races

Here is the start of a race.

Belt Sander Races

And the finish line.

Belt Sander RacesI’ll bet you are wondering if anyone from town shows up for these races. Well, take a look.

Sand Belt Races

Of course, there is a bar and a band so why not?

 

40 comments

  1. Nothing surprises me any more, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha ha ha. Just wait. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Gwen Plano · ·

    OMG, this is too funny! It’s ingenious…who knew that belt sanders could draw a crowd! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I know right? Typical island activity. Next is chicken bingo. (don’t ask)

      Like

  3. That’s quite a turnout, John. I’m curious about all of the writing on the ceiling of the pirate bar. Could you make out any of it? Great pictures! Happy Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lots of different messages from patrons. Most are just names.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. All I can wonder is if they work on their sanders like people work on their cars. Put a little nitro in there and boom.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I heard one guy say that he thought one of the competitors had a chain saw motor on a sander. I guess it could happen. 🙂

      Like

      1. Machine doping in belt sander racing? What is the world coming to?

        Liked by 1 person

      2. I know right? 😀

        Like

  5. Ha! Now that’s a hoot. Terrific local color. Have a superb Sunday. Mega hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Super Sunday to you as well, Teagan.

      Like

  6. How interesting again, John! Thanks for sharing, and have a nice weekend,
    Pit

    Liked by 1 person

  7. What a great idea, and it looks like it draws the crowd. Looks like a perfect place for Tim Allen to show up.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. He was there. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. What? No picture?

        Liked by 1 person

  8. LOL! I was expecting…I don’t know, but not that!! HOW FUN! I’m smiling ear to ear. Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Deborah. BTW I finally got your follow thingy right. I was not getting notices. I think I fixed it. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ha ha ha. Good for me especially. 😀

        Like

  9. Sounds like a fun event, John. That’s a lively crowd you have in that place. There seems to always be something happening there. 😀 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Almost every week, Thanks, Suzanne.

      Like

  10. Only in Port A! lol!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, only here. Thanks , Jo

      Like

  11. Never a dull moment in your neck of the woods, John. Good doings. Anything for a little excitement. 😀 😀 Yup. A band and a bar will bring out folks as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So true. Thanks, Tess.

      Like

  12. I’ve never heard of sand belt racing before, so thanks for educating me. Amazing that folks actually come out for this sort of thing — well, why not, right? It’s something to do and doesn’t require more energy than hoisting a cold one! Happy Sunday, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Band and booz does it.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Just when I thought I’d seen everything… racing belt sanders… only in Texas! They’d have to have studs to race up here in the ice and snow!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes the snow could be a problem. Thank s for the visit, John.

      Like

  14. So fun! And a great crowd. Thanks for sharing, John

    Liked by 1 person

  15. Can honestly say I’ve never heard of this before – love your community!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Teri. I do too!

      Like

  16. We used to race belt sanders in shop class, John. I’ve seem these, and I approve! thankd for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You’re welcome Dan. Thanks for the comment. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person